Teacher-Tested Tips:

All Set?
Submitted by: Beth
Simply say to the students in a loud voice "All set?" They answer, "You bet."
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5

Alligator, Alligator
Submitted by: Ruthie
To get students' attention loudly say "alligator, alligator" the kids reply "CHOMP" as they slap their hands like an alligator mouth.
Grade Level(s): PS, K, 1, Special Ed K-12

Attention Gaining Strategies
Submitted by: clarnet73, Originally posted at the Discussion Forums
Four ways to gain the attention of the class. more>>
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K, 1-2

Attention Getters
Submitted by: Robin Calhoun
I use a stirring drum to get the attention in my classroom. I got it through a web site called Storytellin.com. It is $20 but does the trick every time, I will not teach a day without it. My own 7 and 11 year old love it too. It is a peaceful little musical nopise but they stop ... more>>
Grade Level(s): Preschool & up

Doorbell
Submitted by: Marly Parker
I have a battery operated doorbell that I push when I need the student's attention. It chimes six times and allows them that time to hear and respond. You plug in the chime part into the wall and can walk around with the part that you push, having it at your fingertips at all times. You can buy them anywhere, Home Depot, Walmart, etc.
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5

Ears
Submitted by: Art F.
When I want students attention, I simply say "ears"; to which the students reply in unison "open sir". They also know that they are to be facing me, not talking, and listening for further instruction. The students enjoy this, because they get to speak in unison, and those not responding are easily identified.
Grade Level(s): 6-8

Finding Nemo Attention Getter
Submitted by: Munchkin
Anyone remember the scene in Finding Nemo when Nemo gets initiated into the order of the fish tank?? This one came from a fourth grade teacher. #1 When students are talking too much I quietly say, "shark bait..." Those that hear me reply: "Brew ha-ha!" and we repeat this as many times as it takes for the rest of the c... more>>
Grade Level(s): 1-2, 3-5

Give Me 5
Submitted by: Carla, Originally posted at the Discussion Forums
Something that I use in my classroom is "give me 5." All I have to do is hold up one of my hands with palm facing out like a stop sign. The fingers represent... more>>
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5

GIVE ME 5
Submitted by: Marlene Culpepper, Visually Impaired K-12 Teacher
GIVE ME 5! at our school means, "STOP AND LOOK AT ME!" five simple words that everyone at our school can understand. We practice this in the classroom, lunch room, assemblies, etc. We all use the same command so that anyone who might be in charge of a class or group of children can gain their attention immediately.
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8

Great Attention Getter
Submitted by: Tim Holtzclaw
When you need your grade-schoolers attention say in a loud voice: "One, Two, Three - eyes on ME!" Teach them to immediately respond in unison with a loud: "One, two - eyes on YOU!" After their response they should know to be quiet and attentive. Follow up can be verbal: "I see Jailen's eyes... I see Brianna's eyes..." etc. Thanks for the tip Mrs. Rorick! =)
Grade Level(s): K ,1-2, 3-5

If you hear me....
Submitted by: Missy Locke
I learned this from another wonderful teacher. It works great K-2. When I want their attention, I will say "If you hear me clap your hands." Those that didn't hear me will stop to see why they are clapping. Then I will add to it, "If you hear me snap your fingers, wiggle your nose, or wink, etc."
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K, 1-2

May I have your attention please?
Submitted by: teach2004
I went to a workshop and the presenter used this to get our attention. I use it with my first graders, and it is amazing how well it works. All I say is "May I have your attention please?" with my hand raised. They have to raise their hand and stop talking. As soon as I say it, I start counting. They know that I should stop at 3, but sometimes I have to count longer. The quiet ones will get on to the people that made me go over 3. It works wonders!
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

MONKEY
Submitted by: Laura Morris
Whenever I need my middle school students' attention, or they are getting too noisy, I have a gorilla that when you push his paw, it plays a song (20 seconds long) After 3 monkey plays, then they are no longer able to do the "activity" and must go back to individual work. I got the monkey at Target.
Grade Level(s): 6-8

More Attention Getters
Submitted by: czacza, Originally posted at the Discussion Forums
• flick the lights • clap a pattern • sing a song • rain stick • chimes/bells • Give me 5 signal (eyes on speaker, mouth closed, ears listening, hands still, feet still- kids hold up high 5 sign) • Stop, look and listen • I can see that (name) is ready because (s)he's looking at me.... • peace sign • whisper • The 'Eye'
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K, 1-2, 3-5

SALAMI!
Submitted by: Kim Smead, First
Kim Smead gets the attention of students and nearby adults by saying, "Salami!" This is the signal for Stop and Listen to Me. A funny word, but it works!
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5